The D328eco is coming: Deutsche Aircraft‘s €100M Leipzig FAL takes shape

Deutsche Aircraft and its partner Weerts Group celebrated the Richtfest (topping-out ceremony) for their new Final Assembly Line (FAL) at Leipzig/Halle Airport. According to a statement from Deutsche Aircraft, this event marks a key step in the industrialization of the D328eco, the company's next-generation 40-seat turboprop.

The new assembly line

The facility, located on a 60,500-square-meter site, is designed to be carbon-neutral and operate fully digitally. It will include automated driverless transport systems, energy-efficient battery-powered tools, and augmented reality to enhance precision.

The company highlighted that the plant will have an annual production capacity of up to 48 aircraft and will create between 250 and 350 skilled jobs, reinforcing Leipzig's position as an aviation hub in Europe.

The D328eco and the investment

Deutsche Aircraft invested €100 million in the Leipzig site. The D328eco is an evolution of the Dornier 328 and, according to the manufacturer, offers 50% better fuel efficiency compared to regional jets in its same seat category, reducing operating costs and supporting the transition to more sustainable aviation.

Olaf Lawrenz, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Deutsche Aircraft, noted that the team is building "upon the robust foundation of the Dornier 328" and integrating "modern technologies to enhance efficiency and sustainability."

Sebastian Böhnl, Leipzig Site Manager for Deutsche Aircraft, explained that the assembly line "is designed to be completely carbon neutral" and that they will generate "approximately 750 kW of solar power through rooftop photovoltaics." He also mentioned the use of heat pumps and a hybrid timber-concrete construction for the facility.

Meanwhile, Yves Weerts, CEO and President of Weerts Group, described the collaboration as "a cornerstone" for their presence in Germany and expressed pride in supporting the construction of one of the most advanced production facilities.

Finally, Götz Ahmelmann, CEO of Mitteldeutsche Flughafen AG (the airport operator), concluded that the facility will make Leipzig/Halle Airport "a beacon for sustainable air transport."

Next steps

Deutsche Aircraft expects the handover of the Final Assembly Line by the end of 2025, with production of the first D328eco beginning in early 2026.